WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is facing some pressure ahead of Thursday night’s playoff game between the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces.
After suffering a blowout loss in Game 1, the Fever responded with a 99-89 win in Game 2. All-Star guard Caitlin Clark led the charge with 27 points and 15 assists. While the Fever certainly played well in a must-win spot, Aces star A’ja Wilson dominated the headlines due to her fourth-quarter altercation.
Wilson had a heated exchange with a fan sitting behind the baseline. The fan was temporarily removed from their seat, but the Fever later said they didn’t violate their code of conduct.
“Following a report of a comment directed toward a player, arena security spoke with the fan involved and witnesses,” the team said. “Security determined there was no violation of the Fan Code of Conduct, the fan was not removed from the arena. We consider the matter closed.”
When asked about this incident, Wilson told reporters, “If I see a man come at me, taking steps towards me and pointing at me, I don’t give an [expletive] what you said.”
Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images.
Chris Hagan of Fox 59 believes the WNBA has to consider disciplining Wilson ahead of Game 3.
“Outgoing WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has a big decision to make quickly. Will she discipline the best player in the league – perhaps suspending her for a winner take all playoff game? Fine her? Nothing?” Hagan wrote on X. “Leaving the court to confront a fan is a BIG deal. Precedent to be set.”
As of this moment, the WNBA hasn’t given any indication that Wilson will be suspended.
Game 3 should be electric.
After watching Wilson dominate Game 1 with a 38-point performance, it was nice to see Clark respond with a double-double in Game 2. With that being said, it’ll be fascinating to see which star steps up in Game 3.
The Aces and Fever will square off in this do-or-die game on Thursday night at Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.
Tipoff is set for 9 p.m. ET on USA Network.
